The field of dreams – and the stands around it
The national stadium of Cyprus is also the home ground of Nicosia city rivals APOEL and Omonia. Bearing the same name as the Cyprus Gymnastics Association ground opened in 1902, the new GSP replaced the Makario Stadium that had served both clubs and, occasionally, Cyprus, between 1978 and 1999.
Part of a complex that also includes an athletics ground, a training pitch and a hotel, the near 23,000-capacity GSP perfectly serves the city’s sporting needs. And those of other Cypriot clubs too, as teams from Famagusta, Larnaca and Limassol have also used the GSP as a home venue in recent European campaigns. Dynamo Kyiv, too, during the 2014 conflict in Ukraine.
Its main function, though, is as the home ground of the city’s rival clubs of APOEL, whose fans occupy the north and west sectors, and Omonia, in the south and east.
getting there
Going to the stadium – tips and timings
The GSP is a good 6km south of the city centre, on the southern outskirts of town. There is little by way of public transport.
Only one bus serves the venue, the 106, which runs from focal Solomos Square to the district of Latsia where the stadium is located. The nearest stop is Dimitriou Vikela Avenue 10, the last of three along that stretch, 19 from Solomos Square. Buses only operate every 30-45mins, take at least 30-40mins, and stop running in the early evening.
A taxi may be your only real option – expect to pay €15.
getting in
Buying tickets – when, where, how and how much
Where to Drink
Pre-match beers for fans and casual visitors
Apart from the restaurant at the Allegra GSP Sport Center hotel overlooking the training pitch, and in the VIP area of the stadium, there are no permanent outlets offering food and drink anywhere near the stadium.
